Showing posts with label mactan island. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mactan island. Show all posts

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Why the Philippines is the place to be this summer


By 
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MANILA, Philippines – When you live in a country that fuses together urban sophistication, impressive skylines, gorgeous beaches and the friendliest people on this side of the world, it’s hard not to look forward to it at its finest – during the summer.
Yes, the Philippines boasts some of the most exciting prospects for the summer, so before you book that trip to the Maldives or Ibiza, here are few reasons to make you stay in the Philippines for the summer holidays.
1.    You can go back in time
Well, okay – it doesn’t literally mean going back in time, but the Philippines is home to some of the most historic spots in the world! Corregidor Island, for one, is guaranteed to transport you back into the Second World War with its perfectly maintained Malinta Tunnel and Pacific War Memorial, among others. But if that’s not up your alley, fear not – there are many other options to satisfy your craving for exciting history. There’s also Mactan Island to check out Magellan’s Cross, or Fort Santiago to be a witness to the heroics of our countrymen during the Spanish era.
2.    You can finally catch that perfect wave
Even Anthony Kiedis from the Red Hot Chili Peppers can attest to this – the Philippines boasts some of the best surf spots in the world. Be sure to check out Siargao Island for a thrilling adventure that will surely be the talk of the town for whole of the summer. CNN agrees too – the Cloud Nine surfing hotspot on Siargao is among their Top 50 Best Surf Spots in the World. Now why would you want to miss out on that?
3.    The food (Oh yes, the food)
From the sisig of Pampanga to the lechon of Cebu, there is no end to the culinary feast that The Philippines can bring. Yes, the Philippines is home to a wide range of quality dishes – both local and international fare. Whether it’s a frosty glass of halo-halo by the beach that you’re craving for, or a sumptuous lechon dinner at the heart of the city, or a quick 2-piece chicken meal from Jollibee, the Philippines has it – and so much more.
4.    We have some of the best beaches ever
The summer is the perfect time to hit up the beaches around the Philippines – and there are just so many to choose from. There’s the gorgeous Bohol for one of the most scenic destinations in the country, exciting Boracay Island for the partygoers and socializers and beautiful Palawan for some of the most exotic and solitary beaches in the Philippines. Local travel website tripmoba.com has some enticing travel packages for many of the country’s top beach destinations, and it’s so simple to use – a few clicks and you’re in for a summer holiday you won’t ever forget.
5.    The list never ends
The Philippines never seems to run out of things to do – whether it’s going on a hike up Mt. Pinatubo, riding horses in Baguio or partying the night away around The Fort or Capitol Commons. Yes, the Philippines offers a widely extensive list of things to do, making it the perfect summer destination for families, colleagues and friends alike.
6.    There’s always something to do for everyone
You don’t have to worry about mom getting bored or your youngest brother getting restless this summer – there are so many things to do across many different age groups, and now that it’s summer, there’s even more time to do it. tripmoba.com has a wide range of flights, hotels and experience packages that cater to many different ages and interests, and all it takes is a click of a button. The up-and-coming Filipino website is so efficient that it’ll take just a few minutes to get your dream destination started.
The Philippines is really a melting pot of diversity – among people, cultures and natural wonders alike, and this summer, the country is set to take centre stage and show the world why it really is more fun in the Philippines.
So, share with us your trips and summer stories with #anongtripmo. We’d love to hear from you.

For your retirement and housing needs, please visit http://www.gregmelep.com.

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Discover Cebu



Discover Cebu

IN 1521, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan landed on the shores of Cebu Island during his search for the spice islands on behalf of the King of Spain, thus officially discovering the Philippines (though the islands had long been trading with the Middle East and other parts of Asia). 


Cebu calling

To mark this event and the propagation of Catholicism in the Philippines, Magellan erected a large wooden cross. Today, Magellan’s Cross stands in front of Cebu’s city hall and is a key attraction along with other centuries-old landmarks in in the city. The original cross is encased intindalowood and is inside a chapel to protect it from those seeking a piece of the holy relic. Magellan, however, never left the islands; he was killed in a confrontation with the native people of adjacent Mactan Island, led by the warrior Lapu-Lapu.
Cebu’s appeal to the modern-day tourist, though, has more to do sun, sand and sea than history. The clear waters teem with rich marine life, offering some of the best scuba diving and snorkelling in the world. The beaches, located on Mactan Island, are complemented by upscale hotels and resorts where families and honeymooners enjoy five-star hospitality. Much of the stylish furniture and décor of the island’s resorts is made locally, while those seeking luxury items from further afield will find what they want in the numerous luxury boutiques.
Fish can be enjoyed on the table throughsugba,the Cebuano term for grilling. Additionally, the island is known for its mangoes and suckling pig (lechon), which American chef and television personality Anthony Bourdain has called the “best pork in the world”.
– Ruby Gonzalez
Photo: Getty Images

Eat Olio Steak and Seafood Restaurant

Patrons go to Olio to impress and to eat well. The fine-dining restaurant is known for its steak, seafood and wine selection, as well as its wide array of international cuisines. The sophisticated ambiance provides a backdrop for the memorable meal.
Location
Unit T Crossroad Mall Banilad, Cebu City
Phone
+63 32 238 2931

Do Islands Banca Cruises

Take to the seas on a Filipino outrigger boat that will take you island hopping to the white-sand beach of Pandanon and marine sanctuaries Nalusuan and Gilutungan for snorkelling and fish-feeding. While on the boat, enjoy the comfort of cushioned seats, fresh towels, Wi-Fi access, an iPod dock, snacks and drinks. Snorkelling gear, meals and onboard massages service can be arranged at additional cost.
Location
Punta Engaño, Mactan
Phone
+63 32 516 1903
Photo: Getty Images

Shop Tindahang Pinoy

The one-stop shopping concept of Tindahang Pinoy (Filipino Store) offers Cebu’s export-quality products such as fashion accessories, home décor, furniture and local food. Dried mangoes are a must-buy.
Location
Bridges Town Square, Plaridel Street, Mandaue City

Stay Abaca Boutique Resort

With just six ocean-view suites and three villas, Abaca Boutique Resort presents an air of exclusivity, allowing staff to lavish attention on guests. Accommodation is spacious, luxurious and quiet. Enjoy 24-hour butler service, round-trip airport transfers, Wi-Fi access and breakfast, all included in the room rate. The award-winning Abaca Restaurant serves Californian-meets-Mediterranean flatbread pizzas and roasted dishes with an alfresco setting.
Location
Punta Engano Road, Mactan Island, Lapu Lapu City
Phone
+63 32 495 3461
Photo: TED ALJIBE - AFP/Getty Images

Do Olango My Getaway

Olango My Getaway’s (OMG) acronym is a good way to foresee what lies ahead. The “culinary tour on bike” offers a satisfying sampler of life on the Olango group of islands, a five-kilometre boat ride from the mainland. Go bird-watching and mudflat fishing at night, interact with the locals and sample their food. OMG is an overnight tour but day trips can be arranged.
Location
Punta Engaño Wharf, Mactan Island
Phone
+63 909 620 3130
Photo: Constantine Agustin

See 1730 Jesuit House

The city’s oldest house, built in 1730, is inside an operational warehouse compound of hardware supplies. Realising its historical value, the owners recently restored and opened it to the public as a museum showcasing 18th-century Filipino-Hispanic life.
Location
Zulueta Street, Cebu City
Phone
+63 917 623 3838

Experience Chi Spa’s Hilot

The feeling of relaxation continues long after the session has ended. This is one of the attributes of hilot, the traditional Philippine healing massage that uses oils from endemic Philippine plants. Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa ’s Chi Spa, a 10,000-square metre spa village, offers a most indulgent experience.
Location
Punta Engano Road, Mactan Island, Lapu-Lapu City
Phone
+63 32 231 0288
Photo: Getty Images

Walk Parian

Cebu’s Parian district is teeming with iconic landmarks. Old Cebu Walks puts a structure on exploring the area with its 2.5-hour tour, starting at Magellan’s Cross shrine and winding through parks, ancestral houses, marketplaces, museums and a centuries-old church.
Location
Magellan’s Cross, Magallanes Street, Cebu City
Phone
+63 917 716 9830